U.S. patent application number 14/090591 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-28 for adapter for protective head gear.
This patent application is currently assigned to A.C.E. International. The applicant listed for this patent is A.C.E. International. Invention is credited to Ed Martin, Jason M. Pereira, James Watkins.
Application Number | 20150143669 14/090591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51987034 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150143669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pereira; Jason M. ; et
al. |
May 28, 2015 |
ADAPTER FOR PROTECTIVE HEAD GEAR
Abstract
The adapter comprises a clip with a groove, and a rack that
engages with the groove. The clip attaches securely to an edge of a
fabric, for example, a panel on a baseball cap. The rack includes
an angle adjuster, on which a brow guard, welding helmet, or other
protective gear can be mounted.
Inventors: |
Pereira; Jason M.; (Taunton,
MA) ; Watkins; James; (East Taunton, MA) ;
Martin; Ed; (Sharon, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
A.C.E. International |
Taunton |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
A.C.E. International
Taunton
MA
|
Family ID: |
51987034 |
Appl. No.: |
14/090591 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/3.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20130101; A45F
5/02 20130101; A42B 1/24 20130101; A61F 9/06 20130101; Y10T 24/1394
20150115; A45F 2005/025 20130101; A42B 3/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/3.12 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/32 20060101
A42B003/32 |
Claims
1. An adapter system, comprising: (A) a right clip to attach to a
right edge of a baseball cap, the right clip comprising: (A1) a
right inner panel comprising right inner teeth, the right inner
teeth to engage a right inside of the baseball cap; and (A2) a
right outer panel comprising: (A2a) right outer teeth, the right
outer teeth to engage a right outside of the baseball cap, the
right inner teeth and the right outer teeth to securely hold the
right edge; (A2b) a right groove located substantially parallel to
the right edge; and (A2c) an unthreaded right bore; (B) a right
cover comprising a right cover opening; (C) a right rack located
between the right clip and the right cover, the right rack being
mated with the right groove to permit the right rack to slide
within the right groove, the right rack comprising: (C1) right rack
teeth; and (C2) a threaded female receptacle accessible through the
right cover opening; (D) a right dial located between the right
clip and the right cover, the right dial comprising: (D1) a right
axle mated with the unthreaded right bore to permit the right dial
to rotate with reference to the right outer panel; (D2) a right
pinion to engage with the right rack teeth to form a right
rack-and-pinion mechanism; (E) a right slide lock located on the
right cover, the right slide lock having a locked position, the
right slide lock having an unlocked position, the right slide lock
to prohibit disengagement of the right rack from the right groove
when the right slide lock is in the locked position, the right
slide lock to permit disengagement of the right rack from the right
groove when the right slide lock is in the unlocked position; (F)
an angle adjuster comprising a hole, the hole being aligned with
the threaded female receptacle; and (G) a knob comprising a
threaded male member, the threaded male member inserted through the
hole and engaged with the threaded female receptacle to secure the
angle adjuster.
2. The adapter system of claim 2, further comprising a locking pawl
located on the right outer panel, the locking pawl to prevent the
right rack from moving freely with reference to the right clip.
3. An adapter system, comprising: a clip to attach to a lateral
edge of a cap; a rack slidably coupled with the clip; a pinioned
dial forming a rack-and-pinion mechanism with the rack; and an
angle adjuster rotationally coupled with the rack.
4. The adapter system of claim 3, further comprising a stabilizer
mechanically coupled to the clip, the stabilizer comprising a
stabilizer strap, the stabilizer strap partially circumscribing an
inner edge of the cap.
5. The adapter system of claim 4, the clip comprising a snap to
mechanically couple the clip to the stabilizer.
6. The adapter system of claim 4, the clip comprising a hinge to
mechanically couple the clip to the stabilizer.
7. The adapter system of claim 4, the clip comprising a slot, the
stabilizer comprising a sliding insert, the sliding insert to
mechanically couple with the slot.
8. The adapter system of claim 4, the clip comprising a three-snap
mechanism to mechanically couple the clip to the stabilizer.
9. The adapter system of claim 4, the clip comprising an orifice,
the stabilizer comprising tabs to insert into the orifice to
mechanically couple the clip to the stabilizer.
10. The adapter system of claim 4, further comprising a gel pad,
the stabilizer strap being interposed between the gel pad and the
inner edge of the cap.
11. The adapter system of claim 10, the cap being a baseball cap
with a brim.
12. The adapter system of claim 11, further a brim clip to
mechanically attach to the brim, the brim clip being mechanically
coupled to the gel pad.
13. The adapter system of claim 12, further comprising an elastic
strap to mechanically couple the brim clip to the gel pad.
14. The adapter system of claim 4, the clip comprising: an inner
panel comprising inner teeth, the inner teeth to engage an inside
of the baseball cap; and an outer panel located between the inner
panel and the cover, the outer panel comprising: outer teeth, the
outer teeth to engage an outside of the baseball cap, the inner
teeth and the outer teeth to securely hold the baseball cap; a
groove located substantially parallel to the edge; and an
unthreaded bore.
15. The adapter system of claim 14, further comprising a cover
mechanically coupled to the outer panel, the cover having an
opening.
16. The adapter system of claim 15, further comprising a slide lock
located on the cover, the slide lock having a locked position, the
slide lock having an unlocked position, the slide lock to prohibit
disengagement of the rack from the groove when the slide lock is in
the locked position, the slide lock to permit disengagement of the
rack from the groove when the slide lock is in the unlocked
position.
17. The adapter system of claim 4, the rack comprising: rack teeth
for the rack-and-pinion mechanism; and a threaded female
receptacle.
18. The adapter system of claim 4, the pinioned dial comprising: an
axle to permit the pinioned dial to rotate with reference to the
clip; and a pinion for the rack-and-pinion mechanism.
19. The adapter system of claim 3, further comprising a knob to
secure the angle adjuster, the knob comprising a threaded male
member.
20. The adapter system of claim 3, further comprising a locking
pawl located on the outer panel, the locking pawl to prevent the
rack from moving freely with reference to the clip.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to adapters and,
more particularly, to adapters for protective head gear.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Certain work environments require protective gear for the
head and face (e.g., welding helmet, brow guard, etc.). Sometimes,
the protective gear is cumbersome and uncomfortable. Furthermore,
the protective gear may not be an optimal fit for all users,
thereby further adding to the discomfort. Given the importance of
this type of safety equipment, there are ongoing efforts to improve
the designs associated with protective gear.
SUMMARY
[0005] In some embodiments, an adapter system comprises a clip with
a groove, and a rack that engages with the groove. The clip
attaches securely to an edge of a panel on, for example, a baseball
cap. The rack includes an angle adjuster, on which a brow guard,
welding helmet, or other protective gear can be mounted.
[0006] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages
will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It
is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features,
and advantages be included within this description, be within the
scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the
accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 1A), a side
view (FIG. 1B), and a front view (FIG. 1C) of one embodiment of an
inner panel of a clip.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 2A), a side
view (FIG. 2B), and a front view (FIG. 2C) of one embodiment of an
outer panel of the clip that engages with the inner panel of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 3A), a side
view (FIG. 3B), and a front view (FIG. 3C), of one embodiment of a
pinioned dial that engages with the outer panel of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 4A), a side
view (FIG. 4B), and a front view (FIG. 4C) of one embodiment of a
cover that engages with the outer panel of FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 5A), a side
view (FIG. 5B), and a front view (FIG. 5C) of one embodiment of a
slide lock that engages with the cover of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 6A), a side
view (FIG. 6B), and a front view (FIG. 6C) of one embodiment of a
rack that forms a rack-and-pinion mechanism with the pinioned dial
of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 7A), a side
view (FIG. 7B), and a front view (FIG. 7C) of one embodiment of an
angle adjuster that mounts to the rack of FIG. 6 and holds
protective gear.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 8A), a side
view (FIG. 8B), and a front view (FIG. 8C) of one embodiment of a
knob that engages with the rack of FIG. 6.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 9A), a side
view (FIG. 9B), and a front view (FIG. 9C) of one embodiment of a
bearing that is interposed between the knob of FIG. 8 and the angle
adjuster of FIG. 7.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exploded view of one
embodiment of an adapter, with all of the corresponding components
of FIGS. 1 through 9.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exploded view of another
embodiment of an adapter.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an assembled perspective view
(FIG. 12A), side view (FIG. 12B), and a top view (FIG. 12C) of the
adapter of FIG. 11.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 13A) and a
side view (FIG. 13B) of one embodiment of a brim clip.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 14A), a side
view (FIG. 14B), and a front view (FIG. 14C) of one embodiment of a
gel pad with the brim clip (FIG. 13).
[0022] FIGS. 15A through 15F (collectively, FIG. 15) are diagrams
showing one embodiment of a stabilizer.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 16A), a side
view (FIG. 16B), and a front view (FIG. 16C) of one embodiment of a
baseball cap comprising the adapter (FIG. 10), the brim clip (FIG.
13), the brim gel pad (FIG. 14), and the stabilizer (FIG. 15).
[0024] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a perspective view of the
baseball cap embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0025] FIGS. 18A through 18F (collectively, FIG. 18) are diagrams
showing another embodiment of a stabilizer.
[0026] FIGS. 19A through 191 (collectively, FIG. 19) are diagrams
showing yet another embodiment of a stabilizer.
[0027] FIGS. 20A through 20G (collectively, FIG. 20) are diagrams
showing yet another embodiment of a stabilizer.
[0028] FIGS. 21A through 21F (collectively, FIG. 21) are diagrams
showing yet another embodiment of a stabilizer.
[0029] FIGS. 22A through 22F (collectively, FIG. 22) are diagrams
showing yet another embodiment of a stabilizer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Various hazardous working environments require the use of
protective gear for the head and face (e.g., welding helmet, brow
guard, etc.). Depending on the work, the protective gear can
sometimes be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Sometimes, the
discomfort associated with protective gear becomes a deterrent for
the operator to wear the protective gear. In some situations, an
uncomfortable fit can also be dangerous, since the discomfort can
become a distraction.
[0031] The inventive adapter system seeks to provide a more
comfortable fit for protective gear. Specifically, the adapter
system permits an operator to attach the protective gear to the
operator's own cap (e.g., baseball cap, etc.), which will likely
provide a better fit and reduce discomfort. For some embodiments,
the adapter system comprises a clip with a groove, and a rack that
engages with the groove. The clip attaches securely to an edge of a
panel on, for example, a baseball cap. The rack includes an angle
adjuster, on which a brow guard, welding helmet, or other
protective gear can be mounted. As shown in greater detail below,
providing a mechanism by which protective gear can be mounted on
one's own head covering (e.g., baseball cap) results in a more
comfortable fit.
[0032] Having provided a general overview of the benefits of the
disclosed adapter system, reference is now made in detail to the
description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings.
While several embodiments are described in connection with these
drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the
embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the
intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents. For clarity, embodiments of each of the individual
components are first described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 9.
Thereafter, one embodiment of an adapter system, which is designed
for mounting on a cap (e.g., baseball cap) or other head covering
is described with reference to FIG. 10. Another embodiment of an
adapter system, which is designed for use with a head-mount, is
shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIGS. 13 through 22 show various
embodiments of stabilizers that provide greater stability and
security for the adapter system of FIG. 10.
[0033] With this in mind, attention is turned to FIGS. 1 and 2,
which shown one embodiment of a clip that attaches to a head
covering, such as, for example, a baseball cap. Specifically shown
are a top view (FIG. 1A), a side view (FIG. 1B), and a front view
(FIG. 1C) of one embodiment of an inner panel of the clip, along
with a top view (FIG. 2A), a side view (FIG. 2B), and a front view
(FIG. 2C) of one embodiment of an outer panel of the clip. As shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner panel (FIG. 1) comprises inner teeth
110, and the outer panel (FIG. 2) comprises outer teeth 210.
Together, the inner teeth 110 and the outer teeth 210 form the
holding mechanism that secures the clip (FIGS. 1 and 2) to an edge
of a baseball cap. It should be understood that the clip can also
be secured to other types of head coverings and is not limited to
being mounted on a baseball cap. For one embodiment, the inner
teeth 110 and the outer teeth 210 have saw-tooth patterns that
permit secure clamping around the fabric.
[0034] Continuing, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG.
3A), a side view (FIG. 3B), and a front view (FIG. 3C), of one
embodiment of a pinioned dial that engages with the outer panel
(FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer panel comprises an
unthreaded bore 230, and the pinioned dial (FIG. 3) comprises an
axle 310 that rotationally mates with the unthreaded bore 230,
thereby permitting the pinioned dial (FIG. 3) to rotate with
reference to the outer panel (FIG. 2). The pinioned dial (FIG. 3)
further comprises a pinion 320, and the outer panel (FIG. 2) also
comprises a locking pawl 240 that engages the pinion 320 to inhibit
rotation of the pinioned dial (FIG. 3). In other words, in the
absence of the locking pawl 240, the pinioned dial (FIG. 3) would
be permitted to freely rotate without much resistance. Conversely,
the locking pawl 240 provides a finite degree of resistance as it
engages the pinion 320, which provides a mechanism for setting the
position of the pinioned dial (FIG. 3) to prevent free rotation of
the pinioned dial (FIG. 3).
[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 4A), a side
view (FIG. 4B), and a front view (FIG. 4C) of one embodiment of a
cover (FIG. 4), which securely holds the dial (FIG. 3) within the
outer panel (FIG. 2). The combination of the cover (FIG. 4), the
outer panel (FIG. 2), and the inner panel (FIG. 1) forms the clip.
The cover (FIG. 4) comprises a notch 410 that accommodates the axle
310 of the pinioned dial (FIG. 3). Consequently, the pinioned dial
(FIG. 3) is able to move translationally with reference to the
clip.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 6A), a side
view (FIG. 6B), and a front view (FIG. 6C) of one embodiment of a
rack that forms a rack-and-pinion mechanism with the pinioned dial
(FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 6, the rack comprises rack teeth 610,
which engages with the pinion 320 to form a rack-and-pinion
mechanism. Thus, when the pinioned dial (FIG. 3) is rotated, this
rotational motion of the pinioned dial (FIG. 3) results in a linear
movement of the rack (FIG. 6). Consequently, this linear movement
permits an operator or user to adjust a distance of a brow-guard,
welding helmet, or other protective gear so that it is at an
optimal or comfortable distance from the face of the operator or
user. The rack (FIG. 6) further comprises a sliding arm 620, and
the outer panel (FIG. 2) further comprises a groove 220 that
slidably mates with the sliding arm 620. The combination of the
groove 220 and the sliding arm 620 permits the rack (FIG. 6) to
move linearly with reference to the outer panel (FIG. 2).
[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 5A), a side
view (FIG. 5B), and a front view (FIG. 5C) of one embodiment of a
slide lock that engages with the cover (FIG. 4). The slide lock
(FIG. 5) is positioned at the opening of the notch 410 of the cover
(FIG. 4), and can be in either a locked position (where it extends
into the notch 410) or an unlocked position (where it does not
extend into the notch 410). Consequently, when the rack (FIG. 6) is
inside of the notch 410, and the slide lock (FIG. 5) is in the
locked position, the slide lock (FIG. 5) prevents the rack (FIG. 6)
from disengaging from the groove 220 of the clip. Conversely, when
the slide lock (FIG. 5) is in the unlocked position, then the slide
lock (FIG. 5) permits the rack (FIG. 6) to disengage from the
groove 220 of the clip. As one can appreciate, when in the unlocked
position, the rack (FIG. 6) can be quickly released from the groove
220 of the clip by simply pulling the rack (FIG. 6) through the
notch 410.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 7A), a side
view (FIG. 7B), and a front view (FIG. 7C) of one embodiment of an
angle adjuster that mounts to the rack (FIG. 6) and holds
protective gear. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a top view (FIG. 8A),
a side view (FIG. 8B), and a front view (FIG. 8C) of one embodiment
of a knob that engages with the rack (FIG. 6). The knob (FIG. 8)
comprises a threaded male member 810, and the rack (FIG. 6)
comprises a threaded female receptacle 630 that secures to the male
member 810. The angle adjuster (FIG. 7) comprises a hole 710
through which the male member 810 inserts. Thus, when assembled,
the angle adjuster (FIG. 7) is secured between the knob (FIG. 8)
and the rack (FIG. 6), and can be pivoted with reference to the
rack (FIG. 6). As a result, when protective gear (e.g., brow guard,
welding helmet, etc.) is mounted to the angle adjuster (FIG. 7),
the position of the protective gear can be controlled by moving the
rack (FIG. 6) forward and backward using the pinioned dial (FIG.
3). Furthermore, the protective gear can be lifted and
re-positioned at different angles as a result of being mounted on
the angle adjuster (FIG. 7).
[0039] For some embodiments, a bearing can be interposed between
the rack (FIG. 6) and the knob (FIG. 8) in place of the angle
adjuster (FIG. 7). One embodiment of the bearing is shown with
reference to FIG. 9, including a top view (FIG. 9A), a side view
(FIG. 9B), and a front view (FIG. 9C).
[0040] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an exploded view of one
embodiment of an adapter, with all of the corresponding components
of FIGS. 1 through 9. As shown in FIG. 10, when fully assembled,
the adapter permits an operator or user to adjust the distance
between protective head gear and the face of the user or operator
by turning the pinioned dial (FIG. 3). Furthermore, the adapter
(FIG. 10) permits the operator or user to install protective head
gear onto a better fitting head-covering, such as, for example, a
baseball cap. Since the angle adjuster (FIG. 7) is pivotally
mounted to the rack (FIG. 6), the protective gear (e.g., brow
guard, welding helmet, etc.) can be lifted and re-positioned as the
user or operator sees fit.
[0041] As one can readily appreciate, the adapter (FIG. 10) allows
the user or operator to use a more comfortable and better fitting
head covering (e.g., one's own baseball cap) in conjunction with
protective head gear. As such, the adapter (FIG. 10) produces a
better fit and reduces discomfort, thereby improving workplace
safety.
[0042] With this in mind, attention is turned to FIGS. 11 and 12,
which show another embodiment of an adapter system. Specifically,
FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of an adapter
system, while FIG. 12 shows an assembled perspective view (FIG.
12A), side view (FIG. 12B), and a top view (FIG. 12C) of the
adapter system of FIG. 11. Similar to FIG. 10, this embodiment of
the adapter system (FIG. 11) comprises an outer panel (FIG. 2), a
pinioned dial (FIG. 3), a cover (FIG. 4), a slide lock (FIG. 5), a
rack (FIG. 6), an angle adjuster (FIG. 7), and a knob (FIG. 8).
Since these particular components (FIGS. 2 through 8) have already
been described above, further discussion of these components is
omitted here. However, unlike the adapter of FIG. 10, the adapter
of FIG. 11 does not have an inner panel (FIG. 1). Instead, the
outer panel (FIG. 2) is mounted to a mount 1150 that forms a part
of a head-gear assembly.
[0043] The head-gear assembly comprises the mount 1150, a rear
strap 1140 that secures to the mount 1150, a top fabric attachment
1120 to attach a top fabric strap, a front fabric attachment 1130
to attach a front fabric strap, and a height adjuster 1110 to
adjust fit for better comfort and safety. The rear strap 1140
secures around the head of a user or operator, as shown in FIG. 12,
thereby holding the adapter (FIG. 11) in place. As shown in FIG.
12, the rear strap is adjustable to provide a better fit for the
operator or user. Additionally, for some embodiments, the front
fabric strap and the top fabric strap (as shown in FIG. 12) are
adjustable or elastic (or both), thereby improving fit and
comfort.
[0044] Mounting the adapter system (FIG. 11) to a head-gear
assembly provides a stand-alone unit, which permits the user or
operator to adjust the distance between the face of the operator or
user and the protective head gear (e.g., brow guard, welding mask,
etc.). One advantage of the stand-alone unit of FIG. 12 is that it
provides greater stability and security than adapter systems (FIG.
10) that are attached to a baseball cap. With this in mind, the
adapter system (FIG. 10) can be more-securely attached to a
baseball cap by providing stabilizers. Various embodiments to
stabilize the adapter system (FIG. 10) are shown with reference to
FIGS. 13 through 22.
[0045] FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of a brim clip, FIG. 14 shows
one embodiment of a gel pad with the brim clip, FIG. 15 shows one
embodiment of a stabilizer, and FIGS. 16 and 17 show the adapter
system (FIG. 10), the brim clip (FIG. 13), the gel pad (FIG. 14),
and the stabilizer (FIG. 15) installed onto a baseball cap. As
shown in FIGS. 13 and 16A, the brim clip is a U-shaped clip that
attaches to the brim of a baseball cap by a fabric band (preferably
an elastic band). The gel pad (FIG. 14) attaches to the inside of
the baseball cap near the brim, and is secured to the brim clip
(FIG. 13) by the fabric (elastic) band. In some embodiments, the
gel pad (FIG. 14) is also secured to the inside of the baseball cap
with fasteners, such as Velcro.RTM. fasteners. The stabilizer (FIG.
15) extends from the adapter systems (FIG. 10) on each side of the
baseball cap and connect together behind the gel pad (FIG. 14).
[0046] FIG. 15 shows one embodiment of a stabilizer having a strap
1510 and a snap 1520. In particular, FIG. 15A shows a top view of
the stabilizer, FIG. 15B shows a side view of the stabilizer, and
FIG. 15C shows a front view (FIG. 15C) of the stabilizer, while
FIGS. 15D, 15E, and 15F show a side view, front view, and a top
view of the snap 1520 that secures the strap 1510 to the adapter
system (FIG. 10). The snap 1520 provides a mechanism by which the
strap 1510 can be easily secured to the adapter system (FIG. 10).
By providing a strap 1510 that partially circumscribes the baseball
cap near the brim, the stabilizer (FIG. 15) provides greater
stability for heavier safety gear, such as, for example, larger
welding helmets, etc. Furthermore, interposing the gel pad (FIG.
14) between the stabilizer strap 1510 and the user provides greater
comfort to the user.
[0047] Although FIG. 15 shows a snap 1520 to secure the strap 1510
to the adapter system (FIG. 10), it should be appreciated that, for
other embodiments, a strap can be secured to the adapter system
(FIG. 10) using different mechanisms. Various different embodiments
of the stabilizer are shown with reference to FIGS. 18 through 22.
It should be appreciated that these additional embodiments function
in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15 to provide greater
stability for welding helmets or other safety gear that is mounted
to the adapter system (FIG. 10).
[0048] FIGS. 18A through 18F (collectively, FIG. 18) are diagrams
showing another embodiment of a stabilizer. Specifically, FIG. 18A
shows a left-side stabilizer strap 1810a that secures to a
right-side stabilizer strap 1810b. The length of the stabilizer can
be adjusted by securing the straps together at different lengths,
similar to how one changes the length of a belt with reference to a
belt buckle. The left-side stabilizer strap 1810a is secured to the
adapter system (FIG. 10) on the left side of the baseball cap by
using a left hinge 1820a, while the right-side stabilizer strap
1810b is secured to the adapter system (FIG. 10) on the right side
of the baseball cap by using a right hinge 1820b. The stabilizer,
in combination with the brim clip (FIG. 13), the gel pad (FIG. 14),
and the adapter system (FIG. 10) provides a more secure mounting
mechanism for heavier safety gear.
[0049] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19A through 191
(collectively, FIG. 19), the stabilizer can be secured to the
adapter system (FIG. 10) using a detachable sliding mount, such as
that shown in FIGS. 19D through 191. In particular, a modified
inner clip (FIGS. 19F, 19G, and 19H) secures to the baseball cap,
and an insert (FIGS. 19C, 19D, and 19E) engages with the modified
inner clip by sliding into a groove in the modified inner clip.
Since one having ordinary skill in the art can discern the
engagement mechanism from FIGS. 19A through 191, further discussion
of that engagement mechanism is omitted with reference to FIG.
19.
[0050] Also possible is the use of a three-snap mechanism 2020, as
shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 20A through 20G (collectively,
FIG. 20). Specifically, FIGS. 20D, 20F, and 20G show another
modified inner clip 2030, which secures to a strap-clip 2040. Since
the operation of the three-snap mechanism 2020 can be discerned
with reference to FIGS. 20D through 20G by one having skill in the
art, further discussion of the three-snap mechanisms 2020 is
omitted with reference to FIG. 20.
[0051] FIGS. 21A through 21F (collectively, FIG. 21) are diagrams
showing yet another embodiment of a stabilizer in which a side
orifice is used to secure a stabilizer strap 2110 to the adapter
system (FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 21, the stabilizer strap 2110
comprises a set of flexible tabs 2120 that thread through a
corresponding orifice in a modified clip 2130. The stabilizer strap
2110 can be released from the adapter system (FIG. 10) by squeezing
together the flexible tabs 2120. Similar to FIG. 21, FIGS. 22A
through 22F (collectively, FIG. 22) show a stabilizer that threads
through the entire clip (rather than threading through an orifice
on one side of the clip). Since the engagement mechanisms of FIGS.
21 and 22 can be discerned with reference to the drawings by those
having skill in the art, further discussions of the engagement
mechanisms in FIGS. 21 and 22 are omitted here.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 13 through 22, by providing a stabilizing
mechanism, heavier safety gear can be more-securely mounted to the
baseball cap, thereby increasing safety and providing greater
comfort to the user or operator.
[0053] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art
that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the
disclosure as described may be made. For example, while various
embodiments are described with reference to safety equipment and
protective head gear in work environments, it should be appreciated
that the adapter can be used in different environments, such as,
for example, athletic or sports environments. Additionally, for
some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the adapter with
the angle adjuster can be placed on both the left side and the
right side of the head, thereby making the eventually-assembled
head-gear substantially symmetric about the sagittal plane of the
head. In other alternative embodiments, the angle adjuster can be
placed on only one side (i.e., either left side or right side) with
the bearing on the other side. Also, it should be appreciated that
the left side and the right side are interchangeable, since left
and right are dependent on the perspective (e.g., whether facing
toward the operator, or facing away from the operator). All such
changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as
within the scope of the disclosure.
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